How to Avoid Cat-Poster Christianity

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In this episode...

How to Avoid Cat-Poster Christianity

https://faithfulontheclock.com/how-to-avoid-cat-poster-christianity

Relaxing, inspiring images coupled with Scripture — cat-poster Christianity — is everywhere. Episode 107 of Faithful on the Clock explains why it’s harmful and how to get past it on your journey to success.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:27] - Cat-poster Christianity definition

[01:38] - Cat-poster Christianity Problem #1 — removal of context

[02:33] - Cat-poster Christianity Problem #2 — facilitation of toxic positivity

[05:51] - The big question — how to stay grounded and avoid toxic positivity when cat-poster Christianity is everywhere

[06:14] - Tip #1 — Go get context for the scripture.

[07:07] - Tip #2 — Look at as many translations as you can.

[08:14] - Tip #3 — Ask yourself why you are attracted to the verse’s promise or concept (i.e., “What need does this verse trigger for me?”

[09:58] - Tip #4 — Ask yourself how many times you’ve heard the verse in many different contexts. Look for verses that are more specific to your situation.

[13:17] - Summary

[14:31] - Prayer

[15:09] - Outro/What’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

• Cat-poster Christianity combines inspiring or beautiful images with Scripture as a motivational tool.
• The first problem with cat-poster Christianity is that it makes it difficult to understand the context of the selected Scripture. People do not see the big picture that is necessary to make good choices and behave well consistently.
• The second problem with cat-poster Christianity is that it plays into the toxic positivity mindset where people ignore and brush negative points of life under the rug. It ignores that Jesus didn’t just preach what was warm and fuzzy — He preached repentance and was clear that being His follower would bring suffering.
• Tip #1 — Go after context. Read the full chapter around a verse. Seek commentaries, read blogs, etc. to see how others interpret the verse you’ve read.
• Tip #2 — Look at many translations that can help you understand the scripture in a more holistic way. This includes looking at original languages and the culture of the time/region.
• Tip #3 — Ask yourself why you are attracted to the cat-poster verse you see. Try to identify the unmet need in you that it speaks to.
• Tip #4 — Ask yourself how many times you’ve heard the verse in completely different situations. Then find other verses that are more direct to the situation you currently are in. This doesn’t just confirm God’s character. It gives you proof of why the popular cat-poster verse is true. It also gives you clear advice on how to move forward logistically and in your heart.
• We don’t pick out only the small, feel-good parts of other books and say that’s good enough, so we shouldn’t do it with the Bible, either.

CTAs:

• When you see cat-poster Christianity all by itself online, ask the person who posted it for context or their own insights.
• If you would like to post a popular Scripture verse, share why it’s meaningful to you or how others might apply it. Summarize the story around the verse so people who might not have heard it can be sure to understand.

What’s coming up next:

What’s the prosperity gospel? Episode 108 of Faithful on the Clock offers a working definition and explains why it’s so dangerous for professionals seeking ethical, God-oriented success.

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